COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)

Clowney was a Heisman Trophy favorite when the year began and
one of the most popular players in college football after his
helmet-popping hit on Michigan's Vincent Smith in the Outback Bowl
last New Year's Day.

But the 6-foot-6, 274-pound junior has just two sacks and few
memorable game-changing plays this season.

He can add to those numbers Saturday when No. 10 South Carolina
(9-2) hosts No. 6 Clemson (10-1).

Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier believes the reigning
Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year has had a
tremendous impact on South Carolina's improving defense.

Clowney, who has said he will enter the NFL draft after the
season, takes a final college bow on Senior Day Saturday night. As
has been Spurrier's practice this season, Clowney has not been made
available for interviews prior to games.

Defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward acknowledged that Clowney's
been his own worst enemy at times, missing sack opportunities and
the chances to make big plays that he did his first two seasons.
But Clowney's also dealing with two- and three-man blocking schemes
to slow him down or offenses playing away from his side of the
ball.

''Again, everybody this year has done something different and
I'm sure they will, too,'' Ward said. ''A lot of people are backs
on him and some people are putting three people on him,'' Ward
said.

Clowney had a mid-season controversy when he pulled himself out
of South Carolina's game with Kentucky, sparking the anger of coach
Steve Spurrier. That touched off several days of wondering if
Clowney were committed to the Gamecocks, or concerned about
protecting what could be a guaranteed $22 million as the NFL's top
draft pick.

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said earlier this month he still
considered Clowney the draft's top prospect.

Clowney, who had a strained muscle by his ribs Kentucky week,
has played better down the stretch.

''Hopefully, Jadeveon's ready to have his best game this
Saturday night,'' Spurrier said.

Spurrier said Clowney's impact has been significant.

The Gamecocks went 11-2 each of Clowney's first two seasons, a
feat never accomplished in school history. A win over Clemson this
weekend would be South Carolina's fifth straight, also
unprecedented in a series that began in 1896.

''All you got to do is look at the record book to see the impact
he's made on South Carolina,'' Spurrier said.

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Here are five things to watch for when No. 6 Clemson plays No.
10 South Carolina:

GAMECOCK STREAKS: South Carolina last won four straight in the
series from 1951-54 and has never won five straight over the rival
Tigers. The Gamecocks also have a longest-in-the-nation, 17-game
home win streak, surpassing the mark set by the teams of Heisman
Trophy winner George Rogers from 1978-80.

NOT JUST CLOWNEY: There are several NFL draft eligible players
on both sidelines pondering NFL decisions. The most likely
candidate to leave is Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins, who leads the
ACC in receiving yards with 1,144 yards and 10 touchdown catches.
Others who could enter the draft are South Carolina defensive
tackle Kelcy Quarles and cornerback Victor Hampton, both juniors
expected to join Clowney in Senior Day festivities. For the Tigers,
defensive end Vic Beasley and receiver Martavis Bryant probably
will also at the pros and cons of entering the NFL draft after this
year.

GOODBYE QBs: This is definitely the final Palmetto State showing
for senior quarterbacks Tajh Boyd of Clemson and Connor Shaw of
South Carolina. The two have defined their programs' rise the past
few seasons. Boyd has set ACC records for passing yards and
touchdowns accounted for. Shaw is the Gamecocks all-time leader
with a 25-5 mark as a starter. Plus, he's never lost at
Williams-Brice Stadium.

EYE ON MISSOURI: South Carolina remains alive in the SEC
championship chase, needing a win by No. 19 Texas A&M over
fifth-ranked Missouri to claim the Eastern Division. Two weeks ago,
officials broadcast the end of Auburn's victory over Georgia, which
the Gamecocks also needed to make the title game, on the team's
123-foot wide video board after their contest with Florida started.
Could South Carolina do the same here since Missouri's game starts
45 minutes after the Clemson kickoff?

SWINNEY IN THE SEC: Clemson's Dabo Swinney has done well against
SEC competition since becoming a head coach in 2008, just not the
Gamecocks. He's won six times against SEC teams, twice over Auburn
and once each against South Carolina, Kentucky, LSU and Georgia.
He's only 1-4, though, in the state rivalry.

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